Starting a business is an exciting venture, and one of the key steps to establish your company is through proper registration. If you’re considering setting up a business in Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, it’s important to understand the process and requirements for company registration. This blog post will provide you with a simplified guide to company registration in Eswatini, helping you navigate through the necessary steps and procedures.

1. Choose your company type

The first step in registering a company in Eswatini is to choose the type of company you want to register. The most common types are:

• Limited Liability Company (Private Company)
• Public Company
• Sole Proprietor
• Partnership
• Branch of a foreign company

2. Choose a company name

Before registering your company, you’ll need to choose a suitable name. The Eswatini Revenue Authority (SRA) has guidelines for acceptable names, which can be found at this link: https://www.sra.org.sz

3. Prepare the required documents

Next, prepare the necessary documentation for your chosen company type. The key documents are:

• Articles of Association (for Private and Public Companies)
• Application for Company Registration (for all types) These forms can be downloaded from the SRA’s website: https://www.sra.org.sz

4. Identify company officers and shareholders

You will need to identify at least one director (for Private and Public Companies) or one representative (for Branch of a foreign company). Directors or representatives must be at least 18 years old. Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities.

5. Capital requirements

Eswatini requires a minimum capital of E1,000 for Private Companies and E500,000 for Public Companies. There is no minimum capital requirement for Sole Proprietors, Partnerships, and branches of foreign companies.

6. Register your company

Once your documents are ready, you can submit your application to the Eswatini Revenue Authority (SRA). This can be done in person at their office or online via the following link: https://www.sra.org.sz

The fees for registering a company are as follows:

• Private Company: E200 (approximately)
• Public Company: E600 (approximately)
• Sole Proprietor: E50 (approximately)
• Partnership: E100 (approximately)
• Branch of a foreign company: E600 (approximately)

7. Register for taxes

After your company is registered, you must register for taxes with the Eswatini Revenue Authority (SRA). This can be done in person at the local Tax Office or online via the following link: https://www.sra.org.sz

8. Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Depending on your business activities, you may need to obtain additional permits or licenses. Check with the relevant authorities and industry regulators for specific requirements.

Conclusion

Company registration in Eswatini is a crucial step towards establishing your business and operating legally within the country. The entire registration process, from preparing documents to receiving your Certificate of Incorporation, can take anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks, depending on the complexity of your application. By following the simplified guide provided in this blog post, you can navigate through the registration process with more confidence. Remember to consult with a legal or business professional to ensure compliance with all the necessary requirements and regulations. With your company registered, you’ll be ready to embark on your entrepreneurial journey in Eswatini.